“We are all shocked and saddened by the series of bombings that have killed and injured hundreds of innocent civilians in Sri Lanka. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Sri Lanka and we hope that they will work together to rebuild their lives in harmony for the betterment of their shared homeland. Here in the US, Hindu temples and worship groups across the country have been offering prayers and support for the victims and their families.

This heinous terrorist attack, believed to be committed by a domestic radical Islamist group known as National Thowheed Jamath, with the support of foreign terrorist groups, stirs memories of the brutal 25-year war that ended only a decade ago. We are confident, however, that the government of Sri Lanka will work to bring all those involved in this terrorist attack to justice, while upholding its commitment to human rights and the protection of its multi-ethnic and multi-religious population.

It is critical that the international community supports Sri Lanka in its time of need and collectively confronts this ongoing threat of violent extremism. Finally, more must be done to ensure the protection of places of worship, which are spiritual sanctuaries where all should be safe.”